Durban - KwaZulu-Natal’s first nudist beach is one step away from being made official, but some naturists are already stripping off in anticipation.
The Hibiscus Coast municipality said it encouraged naturists to wait for amendments to the by-laws, but it would not in the meanwhile prosecute those who could not wait to bare all.
The South African National Naturist Association (Sanna) made an application last year for 500m of Mpenjathi Beach to be declared nudist-friendly.
The municipality granted an application last October to relax the by-law on nudity.
However, there were calls by opposing groups, including the Concerned Citizens of Hibiscus Coast Municipality and religious organisations, for the council to rescind its decision.
They have argued that it would attract perverts and rapists, but the municipality countered that after thorough research it was convinced that it would attract tourists, which would lead to job creation.
The provincial co-operative governance department (Cogta) then intervened to look into the matter.
The municipality’s Simon April said Cogta had approached the municipality requesting information so that it could provide feedback, but the matter was now resolved.
He said the municipality was in the process of having the amended by-law gazetted.
Sanna chairperson Serge Pavlovic said some naturists were using the beach after it was “unofficially opened” earlier this year.
April said they would discourage naturists from using the beach until the by-law was gazetted.
The Mercury